drumcorpsfever

Thanks for posting. I've shared with my trumpet players!

From dci.org: http://www.dci.org/n...79-078b39d81bd5 Chase Community Giving: Your vote can help these corps win a piece of $5 million Chase Community Giving, a philanthropic program of the JPMorgan Chase Company is back this fall for its latest round of charitable giving.Since its debut in 2009, the popular campaign on Facebook has awarded $20 million in grants to more than 500 deserving non-profits across the country. This time around, Chase will give away $5 million in grants to organizations with operating expenses under $10 million, and several of Drum Corps International's World and Open Class corps are among the organizations eligible to receive funding. Voting will take place on Facebook and is open to registered users who have the Chase Community Giving app enabled on their profile. According to the Chase: Everyone will automatically get 2 votes to use on Facebook. You can't use them both on the same charity, but there will be thousands of charities to pick from, so you shouldn't have a problem searching for 2 great organizations to support. Keeping with the spirit of giving, you'll have an opportunity to earn an extra vote. Just share a link from the Chase Community Giving app to your timeline. If one of your friends links back to the Chase Community Giving app and casts a vote of their own, voila! You'll earn an extra vote! You can use your extra vote on one of the 2 charities you already voted for, or a new charity—it's up to you! Also as a new feature, Chase customers will have access to two additional votes to use as they wish by logging into their accounts at Chase.com/ChaseGiving. 196 charity organizations have been pre-approved for this voting period that will begin Thursday, Sept. 6 and run until Wednesday, Sept. 19. The charity group receiving the most votes will be eligible for a $250,000 prize with other grants in amounts of $100,000, $50,000, $20,000 and $10,000 available to the runners-up. Learn more about Chase Community Giving on Facebook. Vote For These Groups A number of Drum Corps International's World and Open Class corps are eligible and participating in this round of the Chase Community Giving campaign, as well as several all-age and alumni organizations affiliated with Drum Corps Associates.Drum Corps International Organizations Blue Knights (Ascend Performing Arts) City Sound Mandarins Music City Raiders Spartans All-Age Drum Corps Organizations Brigadier Music Association Connecticut Hurricanes Hawthorne Caballeros Manchester Muchachos New York Skyliners Alumni Xtreme Drum Corps of Princeton Junction, NJ Past Recipients Thanks to the dedicated support of thousands of drum corps fans and arts advocates around the world, Drum Corps International, its corps and partner organizations have benefited from Chase Community Giving, earning more than a million dollars to support their ongoing operations.Representatives from Chase were at the 2012 DCI Southwestern Championship in San Antonio on July 21, to recognize the 27 DCI groups and affiliate organizations that have received funding over the last three years. The Chase Community Giving honor roll includes: November, 2011 The Academy: $100,000 Oregon Crusaders: $100,000 Crossmen: $25,000 Cascades: $25,000 Legends: $25,000 Colts: $25,000 Pioneer: $25,000 Minnesota Brass: $25,000 May, 2011 Drum Corps International: $125,000 Blue Devils: $45,000 Glassmen: $45,000 Santa Clara Vanguard: $45,000 Youth Education in the Arts: $225,000 National Association for Music Education: $25,000 Music For All: $25,000 WGI Sport of the Arts: $25,000 July, 2010 Madison Scouts: $20,000 Blue Stars: $20,000 Boston Crusaders: $20,000 Bluecoats: $20,000 Jersey Surf: $20,000 Troopers: $20,000 Pacific Crest: $20,000 Spirit: $20,000 January, 2010 Carolina Crown: $25,000 The Cavaliers: $25,000 Colts: $25,000 Phantom Regiment: $25,000 Read more: http://www.dci.org/n...5#ixzz25kS6DenX

Colt Cadets- loved the opening. Was surprised they were real. The cymbals were terrific---great costuming! Couldn't take my eyes off them!

I'm all for corps finding new ways to help themselves out financially. However, cashing in on practice isn't one place I'd do it. Given the choice between most other forms of entertainment, our money in recent years has gone to drum corps - and gladly so. However, ticket prices can get a little outrageous (over a thousand dollars for 4 seats for the Super 3 at Indy). Many people simply don't have that kind of cash. I think keeping practice/warm-ups commerically free as possible can do more for the activity than trying to capitalize on it financially. What we need to see is more band programs attending the practice field as spectators. It amazes me that so few area high schools attend practices during the tour season. There are some HS band programs that will pool their students to the practice field, but it would be nice to see more. If DCI could get even more school programs involved, you'd have larger attendance - and more opportunity to increase sales. The goal shouldn't be to capitalize more on those who already attend, it should be to attract even more to attend. IF THEY COME, THEY WILL SPEND!

Thanks!

Hi DCP Community: I recall seeing a thread on here about the number of age outs for each corps. I can't find it. Can someone provide the info or a link where the info is? Thanks!

How about less emphasis on themed shows and more emphasis on music for the sake of good music!

I don't think the answer is to share revenue from the top corps. They've built their organizations well. They should be used for others to learn from. There are co-operatives that the corps use to help save costs. Also, sponsorships work both ways. They provide the corps with much needed equipment, and the sponsor capitalizes on the usage from a promotional and wearability/design/engineering perspective. Much equipment in the marching activity has been refined because of drum corps. Horns, drums, guard equipment, and uniforms have come a long way because of our activity. As a result, more than just the corps has benefited because of this relationship. Most things in life are competitive. Drum Corps is no different. The best only make us better. The idea of shared sacrifice and bounty may seem like a good idea, but in reality it would only spell doom and gloom for innovation and success. We need more corps to be G7's!

I'm pretty pleased with the camera work. The video quality this year has improved - not just for Indy, but for other shows that were featured on the fan network. I wouldn't mind seeing some featurettes of things between each corps - maybe something from the lot warm-ups, a little analysis on the corps, insights on the show, etc. However, more pit? I wouldn't be in favor of that. By the way - I'm a huge fan of the fan network! Hopefully DCI can get some of the licensing issues taken care of so even more shows can be made available.

Check out the Bluecoats for seat cushions! They've got 'em!!!

I'd prefer to see the DCI logo or nothing at all.

Audition for Spirit. You'll never know unless you try. Too many people get all caught up in the audition process and lose sight of enjoying a fun weekend enjoying drum corps. Also, many open class corps (and some World Class corps) have positions open late into the spring and early summer. From your post, I sense a passion to perform with a drum corps. Don't pass up the opportunity to do so. After your marching year, you can always volunteer your time to support any drum corps out there. I can't think of a single corps that would ever turn away good volunteers! But to answer your question: MARCH IN 2013!!! You'll never regret doing so. The experience will be life-changing. Best wishes to you!!!

Someone I know describes the end of the season as a "violent ending".

Shopping at all the corps souvie stands, you'll find most merchandise WITHOUT the words DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS associated with the corps' name. Is there anyone out there, besides me, that would like to see more merchandise that includes the words DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS?

Watch out for Bluecoats in 2013. A lot of great talent coming back and an excellent staff with some fresh blood with a year under their belt. Will have one of the best horn lines in the business and the drum line continues to excel. This corps is one of the finest organizations in the activity. BLOOO!!!!!!!!!

One of the components of the new DCI scoring system was the connection to the audience. Do you think this year's results were affected by the new scoring system which took into account the engagement of the audience? For that matter, did the new scoring system have any impact at all in any outcome? I'm interested in the DCP forum's thoughts and opinions on this subject. Thanks!

Didn't Phantom Regiment at some point march only Euphs and Tubas in their lower brass (no baritones)? I noticed baritones this year in their brass line. Can someone provide some info and background on this? Thanks!

Absolutely loved the Jersey Surf show. After seeing them at prelims for the first time, I scrambled back to make it to semi's in time to see their show. No way I would miss it! GREAT, GREAT, SHOW. So much fun - well done... fun, cheering, laughter, smiles, loving your show. What more could you ask for? There's definitely room for your style of showmanship in the activity. Now, what are you going to do in 2013? We'll have to wait - - - I'm looking forward to it!!! THANK YOU!!!

First off, congrats to Crossmen for making finals! You beat a worthy finalist corps in the Blue Stars to do so. Please share the story of Bones. Would like to know. Thanks!

Travel budget to Indy: Ticket money?: Check Hotel money?: Check Gas money?: Check Meal money?: Check Support your favorite corps PLUS at least one other random corps by buying souvenir(S)?: CHECK!!! This is "BLACK FRIDAY" for many corps as it relates to their souvenir sales. Many of us find it easy to remember to buy something from our favorite corps. But, in addition to the ONE corps that you absolutely love and would buy everything they sell (GOOD), find another corps at the show to buy something from (BETTER). If we all do that, we can really help - and come home with some pretty cool souvie's. BTW - one more budget item: Fuel donations?: CHECK!!! (BEST) THANK YOU!!!

My goodness! The activity today versus the activity 30 years ago is very different. Drum corps in decline? Really??? Tell that to the record crowd in Atlanta, the packed stands in Allentown or in Massillion - and the hundreds of thousands of fans and supporters who will enjoy witnessing some very memorable shows this year. Mostly, tell that to the dedicated performers that give it their all for the love of drum corps. This is not drum corps of 1982. The product in 2012 is off-the-charts better. There's been a few corps that have struggled this year. That's a sign of competition and the world we live in. Only those that are best managed, promoted, and well-run will flourish. It's that way in most everything. Drum corps is no different. Let's not be the folks who yearn for G bugles and VFW/American Legion shows (Yes, G bugles were loud. But, boy were they often out-of- tune and honked out notes. I'll take today's instruments any day. And, by the way, thank you to the VFW's and American Legions that provided their gracious support to the corps of the past!) It's time to get on board with TODAY'S DRUM CORPS, so get out and do something to insure it's success for the many generations to come. C'mon! Get out and volunteer, donate your time, sponsor a kid, buy a souvenir from each corps, and enjoy the show! PS - I agree that the timing of this post is a bit disrespectful to the activity during final's week. However, I'm glad to have voiced my opinion as I'm a believer that drum corps is sustainable and will flourish. I appeciate your thoughts, though. If you didn't care, you wouldn't have an opinion. But take that passion that you must have and put it to work by being an active participant in the future of drum corps. Let's move this train forward!!!

Enjoy the trip! I'll be at Allentown, Massillion and Indy. Regarding the Massillion (Canton) show - weather is favorable! No rainout this year. Bloo will finally get to enjoy the Massillion home crowd that they missed last year. ARE YOU READY TO BLOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????

I know the topic is asking for picking 3 shows. I'm not real hip on Sr/All-Age corps. However, I will say that I went to DCA in Rochester last year. The Caballeros were fun, the Bucs pretty darn good, and Minn Brass was tops. They wouldn't beat the best that DCI has to offer, but very enjoyable. I'd definitely recommend DCA to any drum corps fan. Oh yes, Kilties - nostalgic!

Cavaliers used to have a "no cell phone" policy, I believe. Is that accurate? If so, do they still restrict cell phone usage?

I will say that with the current membership, the Bluecoats have recruited wisely and have attracted a very talented group - both membership and staff. This corps is a top-tier destination of choice for many aspiring performers. As such, there's certainly a very bright future of championship contention. Also... I agree, this video is awesome. Anyone who has the pleasure to see them live this year should see this video before doing so. Enjoy!!! (and yes, BLOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)